Best Metroidvania Games on PS5 in 2025 – Explore, Prepare, and Destroy Your Enemies

Some genres in gaming have faded away or evolved into something else entirely. Think how classic beat ‘em ups morphed into modern hack-and-slash games, or how survival horror split into action-heavy thrillers. But Metroidvania? It’s a genre that has truly stood the test of time. Blending tight platforming, layered exploration, and often punishing combat, Metroidvania games continue to captivate players with their intricate designs and rewarding progression. So, if you’re somebody trying to figure out where to start or even just looking to find the best Metroidvania games PS5 has to offer in 2025, this list has you covered.

Best Metroidvania Games on PS5 You Have To Play

7. Grime: Definitive Edition

Image Credits: Clover Bite

Grime doesn’t just look strange, it feels strange, in a good way. Set in a surreal biomechanical world, this combat-heavy Metroidvania fuses art with brutality. You play as a creature born from destruction, and your mission is as cryptic as it is fascinating. What stands out most is the game’s parry system, which rewards aggressive defence and lets you absorb enemies to grow stronger. On PS5, the visual style really stands out, particularly with HDR support. While it doesn’t use the DualSense in any major way, load times are smooth, and the game runs great in 4K. This is a title that’s more about mood and combat than storytelling, but it’s very easy to lose hours in its maze-like areas and oppressive but beautiful scenery.

6. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Image Credits: Adglobe

A melancholic journey through a kingdom ruined by a mysterious plague, Ender Lilies mixes sorrowful storytelling with tight gameplay. You play as Lily, a priestess guided by the spirits of fallen knights, each granting her new abilities. The visuals are hand-drawn and gorgeous, and the music enhances the game’s emotional tone. On PS5, the upgraded frame rate and resolution make this one pop, even though the game isn’t native to the platform. It’s a deeply atmospheric experience that strikes a balance between challenge and serenity. It may not be the longest Metroidvania out there, but every minute of it feels intentional. If you’re drawn to games with tragic beauty and fluid combat, this should be on your radar in 2025.

5. Axiom Verge 2

Image Credits: Thomas Happ Games LLC

Following up a cult classic is never easy, but Axiom Verge 2 confidently carves out its own identity. Shifting from the high-tech alien vibes of the first game to a more ancient, ruined-world setting, this sequel still offers that deep exploration and strange tech-based progression the series is known for. While the combat can feel lighter than some other entries, the puzzle design and world layout are just as intriguing. Playing on PS5, you get faster loading and a more responsive feel, even if the visuals remain 2D retro. It’s not flashy, but it has a strong identity, and fans of sci-fi with philosophical undertones will find it rewarding. It’s quietly one of the best Metroidvania games PS5 fans can check out, especially if they want something unconventional.

Read Also: Best Metroidvania on the Nintendo Switch

4. F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch

Image Credits: Shanghai TiGames Network Technology Limited

F.I.S.T. is exactly the kind of surprise that makes diving into the Metroidvania genre exciting again. Set in a dieselpunk world of anthropomorphic animals ruled by a robotic military, the game’s central hook is your character, Rayton, a rabbit with a massive mechanical fist. The world design is intricate, and the combat has a weighty, combo-driven flow that feels fresh. On PS5, this game truly sings. The native 4K resolution, fast SSD, and especially DualSense integration enhance the overall immersion. You can feel every heavy punch and movement through haptics, which isn’t common in many 2D Metroidvanias. It’s not just a pretty game; it plays with ambition and delivers on most of it. Definitely one to watch, especially if you’re into deeper combat systems.

3. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Image Credits: ArtPlay

Often seen as the spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Bloodstained was directed by Koji Igarashi himself. That legacy shows. It blends classic Metroidvania mechanics with modern sensibilities, offering dozens of weapons, spells, and customisation options. You play as Miriam, an orphan cursed by alchemy, navigating a demon-filled castle to uncover the truth. Though it started with some rough patches at launch, Bloodstained has been massively improved with updates. On PS5, thanks to backwards compatibility and enhanced performance, it runs smoother than ever. While not groundbreaking in innovation, it does nearly everything right, and that’s enough to earn its place among the best Metroidvania games PS5 can offer today.

2. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania

Image Credits: Evil Empire

Dead Cells shook up the Metroidvania genre when it released, blending fast-paced roguelike mechanics with classic exploration. But the Return to Castlevania DLC takes it up a notch, introducing legendary characters like Alucard and Richter, classic weapons, and remixed music. It’s a love letter to the series that inspired much of the genre. PS5 players benefit greatly from smooth 60fps performance and near-instant load times, making repeated runs feel even more addictive. The game’s tight controls, visual clarity, and endless replayability make it a top-tier pick even years after launch. If you haven’t revisited it in 2025, you’re missing out – it remains one of the strongest hybrids of genres done right.

1. Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

Image Credits: Team Cherry

Still, the reigning king of the genre for many, Hollow Knight is a masterpiece in both world-building and gameplay. Set in the decaying kingdom of Hallownest, its intricate, interconnected map and haunting atmosphere make it unforgettable. The PS5’s hardware brings out the beauty in its hand-drawn visuals and allows for super-fast load times that make exploration smoother than ever. The Voidheart Edition comes packed with all DLCs, expanding the already massive adventure even further. Combat is tight and rewarding, the lore runs deep, and every corner of its world feels alive with secrets. While we still wait (impatiently) for Silksong, this remains – hands down – one of the best Metroidvania games PS5 players can play in 2025. If you somehow missed it, fix that now.

The PS5 has turned out to be a pretty excellent place for exploring the Metroidvania genre, whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious. What is your favourite Metroidvania game? Do you agree with our assessment that Hollow Knight is one of the best Metroidvania games on PS5? Let us know in the comments below!

Read Also: Best Metroidvania Games Ever

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